Mourinho: "Ibrahimovic better than ever and could play on until he turns 40"

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has backed Zlatan Ibrahimovic to keep playing at the highest level until he turns 40 and believes the former Sweden star is even better than when he first worked with him at Inter.

Ibrahimovic has been in impressive form since joining United from Paris Saint-Germain, scoring 24 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions, and Mourinho is hugely impressed with the 35-year-old's performances.

"I think he is even better than when I worked with him at Inter," Mourinho told Sky Sports.

"He is more collected, more intelligent and understands the game even better. He is not just a finisher, but is also important when it comes to creating goals.

"He is a leader. He has a special feeling, a special care with the younger guys.

"I think he could play on until he is 40 from a physical point of view. 

"But is not only about the physical point of view. It is also about a mental point of view. One day he will make his decision and the world of football will have to accept it. What he has been doing is phenomenal. But one day he will wake up and decide enough is enough."